In an inconspicuous corner of the spectator area, several young cultivators in similar fitted combat attire stood quietly, their auras sharp and concentrated. Together, they formed a solemn enclave. Their clothes bore no obvious sect insignia, but the practiced way they positioned themselves made it clear they shared the same origins.
Their leader was a handsome young man with an air of natural composure. Most striking was the strip of flame-red brocade tied around his neck, its color as vivid as a burning sunset, making him stand out among the mostly plain-clothed spectators.
He watched in silence as the Water Mirror showed Bai Moyu being stunned by the Snow Spirit Falcon's shriek and then teleported out of the contest. His expression never changed.
Only after the white light had completely dispersed did he slowly turn toward the young man beside him, whose thick, hanging fringe obscured half his face and whose demeanor was as still as deep water. "She lost," he said evenly.
The other young man nodded slightly. His visible eye was pale in color, but its gaze was calm and keen. "Yes. Moyu was too impatient. She shouldn't have forced a surprise attack before understanding that spirit beast's capabilities."
"You can hardly blame her." The young man in red brocade analyzed the situation dispassionately. "The Snow Realm constantly erodes spiritual power. A prolonged battle would have worked against her. Choosing a swift attack wasn't fundamentally wrong. She simply underestimated his defensive measures."
With that, his gaze shifted from Lu Qingzhuo, now surrounded and guarded by several magnificent Snow Spirit Falcons in the Water Mirror, to the scene below—where Qu Lin was walking alongside Zhou Wan, looking perfectly relaxed.
After a moment's consideration, he spoke again, asking a more far-reaching question. "If you and Moyu joined forces against Qu